Window Treatments for South-Facing Wall of Glass? Good Question

Q: I am stumped as to what window treatments to use with my southern exposure windows, plus door. The ceilings are 8-and-a-half feet, and I love the height-extending and softening effect of floor-to-ceiling sheers, but I feel that the windows need something else to block out the full sun in the afternoon...

Also, there is room for air-con units in the wall under the windows. Would interior mounted bamboo shades or venetian blinds work better? Would it be too much to have blinds and some other kind of drapery? Then, there’s the door on the right. How can the window treatment incorporate it? Many thanks. Sent by Ilona

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Comments (11)

Sounds like your idea will be lovely: bamboo blinds that can roll up or move aside (depending upon your choice of horizontal or vertical configuration) with overlaying sheers that roll up or move aside (roman shades or curtains).

I'm anxious to hear opinions, as I have a very similar situation (south facing windows, another building about 15' away with windows that face mine, a need for privacy at night, a window air conditioner, and the desire for breezes). Right now I have venetian blinds that can control the light and provide privacy when needed, and sheers to filter the light and billow in the breeze. I'd love to replace the venetians, but I'm not sure what would work as well, but look better.

SO jealous. This is literally my idea of perfection.

honeycomb light blocking shades block the sun when you need it. when you don't pull them all the way up--they practically disappear. Place light sheers on rod at top of windows.

We got our South facing windows coated with a film that made a huge difference with the heat and sun and fading issues we were having. Most people don't realize that there is anything on the windows. During the day they are reflective from the outside so no one can see in. At night it's a different story, but you can get sheers for the evening.

I second bepsf's solar shade recommendation. You can see out, but the harsh sun is shaded. They're sleek and unobtrusive.

Thank you ATers for your comments and suggestions. I'll look into solar or honeycomb shades with sheers across the top. That combination would look tidy and neat on the left window, but I'm thinking that it would look a little messy on the right window because of the door. What do the rest of you think?

I'd go with wood/bamboo blinds and soft white or cream sheers.

leadingedge - I was considering film to help cut the heat but was concerned that it would make the windows even more reflective at night. Our double pane windows reflect the interior at night a lot, it bugs me and I'd hate to make it worse.

To the OP, I recommend the cell shades as someone else mentioned, lots of options on colors/textures/opacity and they work well as a window layer.

I don't know what your style is, but, if it were me... I'd paint the walls bright white, install bamboo shades, and hang curtains in a royal blue / white ikat. Maybe gray / white, can't decide. I'd throw down a grass weave rug, hang a lot of artwork, and purchase a white sectional. Great apt, good luck!